IBM local console manager User manual

No solution built with IBM Server® xSeries® servers is complete until

the products are brought together using the right KVM switching options.

KVM switching solutions provide access and control of multiple servers

from a central console. These switches eliminate extra keyboards, monitors

and mice, allowing businesses to save critical space in their data centers.

IBM console switch solutions are designed to accommodate the full line of

xSeries server products, providing centralized control and management of

rack-optimized servers.

IBM now offers a new family of KVM switches. The Global Console

Manager appliances offer a choice of either the 2x16 (GCM2) or 4x16

(GCM4) for remote and local access. Additionally, there is the Local 2x8

Console Manager (LCM2) as well as the 1x8 Console Switch and the

2x16 Console Switch for local connectivity. They are all designed to offer

flexibility and scalability in managing a data center environment, as well as

dramatically reducing cable clutter at the rack.

Compelling reasons to buy a KVM solution from IBM:

• IBM KVM products have an intuitive graphical user interface (GUI)

that makes switching between connected systems simple and easy.

• IBM KVM products have been tested by IBM under the IBM

ServerProven® program and approved for operation with xSeries

servers, helping speed deployment while maximizing manageability

and control.

• As with all IBM KVM products, these KVM options are backed by

acclaimed IBM service and support and include a three-year limited

warranty** when installed in an IBM rack or used with IBM servers.

Global Console Manager

Local Console Manager

1X8 Console Switch

2X16 Console Switch

IBM CONSOLE SWITCH

Decision Maker’s Guide

Contents

Global Console Manager 2

Key features and benefits 3

Basic GCM configuration 4

Technical Specifications 5

Local Console Manager 6

Key features and benefits 6

Basic LCM2 configuration 7

Technical Specifications 8

1x8 Console Switch &

2x16 Console Switch 9

Key features and benefits 10

Basic Console Switch configuration 11

Technical Specifications 12

Selecting the right IBM KVM solution 13

Frequently Asked Questions 14

For more information 18

Last updated October 2005 1

Global Console Manager

The IBM® Global 2 x 16 Console Managers (GCM2) and the IBM Global 4x16 Console

Manager (GCM4) appliances integrate digital and analog keyboard, video, and mouse

(KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, access for three (2

remote, 1 local) or four (3 remote, 1 local or 4 remote) simultaneous users, and an intui-

tive graphical user interface. The appliances have USB and PS/2® ports on the rear

panel that support all major target device platforms.

The appliance is a rack mountable KVM switch, configurable for analog (local) or digital

(remote) connectivity. Video resolutions are supported up to 1280 x 1024 for remote users.

The GCM2 appliance includes two digital access sets for KVM-over-IP, 1 analog port

set for KVM connections, 16 analog rack interface (ARI) ports for connecting CO cables

and target devices, and virtual media capability for one local user and up to two remote

users. The GCM4 appliance includes four digital access sets for KVM-over-IP, 1 analog

port set for KVM connections, 16 ARI ports for connecting CO cables and target devices,

and virtual media capability for one local user and up to four remote users.

The appliance has user peripheral ports for PS/2® and USB keyboards and mice.

Additionally, virtual media such as generic removable media and CD drives can be

connected to any one of four USB ports. The appliance works over standard LAN

connections. Users can access target devices across a 1000BASE-T LAN port that is

used to establish an Ethernet connection, or directly through a local port. The IP-based

appliance gives you target device control from ANYWHERE in the world.

You can use the following Conversion Option (CO) cables with the appliance.

• IBM 250 mm KVM Conversion Option (KCO) - PS/2 and VGA connectors

•

IBM 1.5 M KVM Conversion Option (KCO) - PS/2 and VGA connectors

• IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) - USB2 and VGA connectors,

required for virtual media connections—does not support chaining

•

IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) - USB and VGA connectors

These intelligent CO cables with Cat5 design dramatically reduce cable clutter while

providing optimal digital display resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of the

CO cable simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique target device identi-

fication codes for each attached target device. This integrated intelligence enhances

security and prevents unauthorized access to a target device through cable manipula-

tion. The CO cable is turned on directly from the target device and provides Keep Alive

functionality when the appliance is not turned on. The CO cables enable local and remote

KVM connectivity to target devices that are attached to the appliance. Each appliance

has 16 ARI ports for connecting CO cables.

Ordering information:

IBM 2x16 Global Console Manager MTMN: 17352GX

IBM 4x16 Global Console Manager MTMN: 17354GX

Cable options:

IBM Short KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2896

IBM Long KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2897

IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) Part #: 39M2894

IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) Part #: 39M2895

KCO

UCO

Products and Solutions

Last updated October 2005 2

VCO

Virtual Media

The appliance supports virtual media when connected to a VCO cable. You can use virtual

media support to connect USB media devices to the appliance and make those devices

available to any connected GCM2 or GCM4 appliance. Use virtual media to move data

between a target device and USB media devices that are connected to the appliance. You

can install, upgrade, or recover the operating system; update the BIOS code; or start the

target device from a USB drive through the virtual media capabilities of the appliance.

Virtual media can be connected directly to the appliance using one of four USB ports on

the appliance. In addition, virtual media can be connected to any remote workstation that

is running IBM Virtual Console Software (VCS) and is connected to the appliance using

an Ethernet connection. To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target

device must first be connected to the appliance using a VCO cable.

Chaining Technology

IBM’s unique cable chaining solution enables users to manage a “daisy chain” of multiple

servers through a single connection to a console or KVM switch, replacing many long

cables with just a few short ones, simplifying rack management, helping lower cabling

cost and reducing setup, diagnostic, and maintenance times. The “daisy chain” connec-

tivity has the added advantage of thin, flexible industry-standard CAT5 cabling and

standard RJ-45 connectors removing the need for one-to-one, dedicated cable connec-

tions between KVM switch ports and managed devices. This cable chaining solution

allows up to 16 KCOs or UCOs to be chained together.

OSCAR® graphical user interface

The appliance uses the OSCAR interface, which has menus to configure the switching

system and select computers. You can list target devices by unique name, eID (electronic

ID), or port number. Use the OSCAR interface to protect the switching system with a

screen saver password. After a user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and

access is prohibited until the correct password is entered to reactivate the switching

system.

Flash upgradability

Upgrade the appliance at any time through the network port to ensure the appliance is

always running the most current available version.

Accessing the appliance through network connection

Users access the appliance and all attached target devices through Ethernet from a client

computer. A client computer can be anywhere a valid network connection exists.

Accessing target devices

When you access the VCS, a listing of all target devices you have permission to view and

manage opens. When you select a target device from the list, the video of the selected

target device opens in a Video Viewer window.

Key features and benefits

Last updated October 2005 3

Included with each part number:

• Console Switch

• Power cord

• One serial cable

• Rack-mounting brackets

• Documentation CD

• Virtual Console Software CD

• Quick Installation Guide

• 1-U filler panel

• 16 terminators

Additional items needed:

• One KCO, UCO, or VCO cable per attached

target device or appliance

• One CAT5 patch cable per attached target

device or appliance

• One Phillips screwdriver

Basic GCM configuration

Last updated October 2005 4

Technical Specifications

Last updated October 2005 5

Target device Ports

Number 16

Types VCO, KCO, and UCO

Connectors RJ-45

Sync Types Separate horizontal and vertical

Plug and Play DDC2B

Video Resolution 640 x 480 @ 60 Hz (Local Port and Remote Port Minimum)

800 x 600 @ 75 Hz

960 x 700 @ 75 Hz

1024 x 768 @ 75 Hz

1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz (Remote Port Maximum using a VCO)

Supported Cabling 4-pair UTP Cat5 or Cat6, 10 meters maximum length

Serial Port

Number 1

Cable type Serial RS-232

Connector DB9 female

Network Connection

Number 1

Type Ethernet: IEEE 802.3 2002 Edition - 10BASE-T, 100BASE-T, 1000BASET

Connector RJ-45

Local Port

Number 1

Type USB, PS/2, and VGA

Connectors PS/2 miniDIN, 15 pin D, RJ-45

USB Device Port

Number 4

Type USB 2.0

Dimensions

Height x Width x Depth 1.72 in. x 17.00 in. x 10.98 in.; 1-U form factor

(4.37 cm x 43.18 cm x 27.98 cm)

Weight 7.3 lbs (3.31 kg) without cables

Power Supply

Heat dissipation 92 BTU/Hr

Airflow 8 CFM

Power consumption 12.5 Watts

AC-input power 40 Watts maximum

AC-input voltage rate 100 to 240 V ac Autosensing

AC-input current rating 0.5 A

AC-input cable 18 AWG three-wire cable, with a three-lead IEC-320 receptacle on the power

supply end and a country-dependent connector on the power resource end

AC frequency 50 to 60 Hz Autosensing

Ambient atmospheric condition ratings

Temperature 0° to 50° Celsius (32° to 122° Fahrenheit) operating

-20° to 60° Celsius (-4° to 140° Fahrenheit) nonoperating

Humidity 20 to 80% noncondensing operating

5 to 95% noncondensing nonoperating

Safety and EMC approvals and markings

UL, FCC, cUL, ICES, CE, N, GS, IRAM, GOST, VCCI, MIC, C-Tick

Last updated October 2005 6

The IBM® Local 2x8 Console Manager (LCM2) appliance integrates analog keyboard,

video, and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management and

access for two local simultaneous users. On-screen management through the OSCAR®

for IBM graphical user interface provides easy system configuration and target device

selection. The LCM2 appliance has USB and PS/2® ports on the rear panel that support all

major target device platforms.

The LCM2 uses the same CO cables as the GCM (please see GCM section for more infor-

mation). The CO cables enable direct KVM connectivity to target devices that are attached

to the appliance. Each LCM2 appliance has eight analog rack interface (ARI) ports for

connecting CO cables. The CO cables that work with the LCM2 appliance support target

devices with PS/2 and USB ports. When using the OSCAR interface in conjunction with CO

cables, you can easily switch between platforms.

Ordering information:

IBM 2x8 Local Console Manager MTMN: 17351GX

Cable options:

IBM Short KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2896

IBM Long KVM Conversion Option (KCO) Part #: 39M2897

IBM Virtual Media Conversion Option (VCO) Part #: 39M2894

IBM USB Conversion Option (UCO) Part #: 39M2895

Virtual Media

The LCM2 appliance supports virtual media when connected to a VCO cable. You can use

virtual media support to connect USB media devices to the appliance and make those

devices available to any connected LCM2 appliance. Use virtual media to move data

between a target device and a USB media device that are connected to the appliance. You

can install, upgrade, or recover the operating system; update the BIOS code; or start the

target device from a USB drive through the virtual media capabilities of the LCM2 appli-

ance. To open a virtual media session with a target device, the target device must first be

connected to the appliance using a VCO cable.

Chaining Technology

IBM’s unique cable chaining solution enables users to manage a “daisy chain” of multiple

servers through a single connection to a console or KVM switch, replacing many long

cables with just a few short ones, simplifying rack management, helping lower cabling cost

and reducing setup, diagnostic, and maintenance times. The “daisy chain” connectivity

has the added advantage of thin, flexible industry-standard CAT5 cabling and standard RJ-

45 connectors removing the need for one-to-one, dedicated cable connections between

KVM switch ports and managed devices. This cable chaining solution allows up to 16 KCOs

or UCOs to be chained together.

OSCAR graphical user interface

The LCM2 appliance uses the OSCAR interface, which has menus to configure the switching

system and select computers. You can list target devices by unique name, eID (electronic

ID), or port number. Use the OSCAR interface to protect the switching system with a screen

saver password. After a user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages and access is

prohibited until the correct password is entered to reactivate the switching system.

Flash upgradability

Upgrade the LCM2 appliance at any time through the network port to ensure the appliance

is always running the most current available version.

Tiering expansion

The LCM2 appliance features an analog console interface (ACI) port that you can use to

tier between appliances using only a Cat5 cable. The LCM2 appliance allows for three

levels of tiering. You can connect a maximum of 512 target devices with three tiers of

LCM2 appliances.

Local Console Manager 2

Key features and benefits

Included with each part number:

• Console Switch

• Power cord

• One serial cable

• Rack-mounting brackets

• Documentation CD

• Quick Installation Guide

• 1-U filler panel

• Eight terminators

Additional items needed:

• One KCO, UCO, or VCO cable per attached

target device or appliance

• One CAT5 patch cable per attached target

device or appliance

• One Phillips screwdriver

Last updated October 2005 7

Basic LCM2 configuration

Last updated October 2005 8

Technical Specifications

Target device ports

Number 8

Cable types VCO, KCO, and UCO

Connectors RJ-45

Sync types Separate horizontal and vertical

Plug and Play DDC2B

Video resolution Local Port Maximum 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz

Serial port

Number 1

Type Serial RS-232

Connector DB9 female

Analog port sets

Number 2

Type PS/2, USB, VGA, and ACI

Connectors PS/2 miniDIN, 15 pin D, RJ-45

Dimensions

Height x Width x Depth 4.37 cm x 43.18 cm x 20.32 cm; 1-U form factor

(1.72 in. x 17.00 in. x 8.00 in.)

Weight 2.6 kg (5.75 lb) without cables

Power supply

Heat dissipation 92 BTU/Hr

Airflow 8 CFM

Power consumption 12.5 Watts

AC-input power 40 Watt maximum

AC-input voltage rating 100 to 240 V ac Autosensing

AC-input current rating 0.5 A

AC-input cable 18 AWG three-wire cable, with a three-lead IEC-320 receptacle on the power

supply end and a country or region dependent connector on the power

resource end

AC-frequency 50 to 60 HZ

Ambient atmospheric condition ratings

Temperature 0° to 50° Celsius (32° to 122° Fahrenheit) operating

-20° to 60° Celsius (-4° to 140° Fahrenheit) nonoperating

Humidity 20 to 80% noncondensing operating

5 to 95% noncondensing nonoperating

Safety and EMC approvals and markings

UL, FCC, cUL, ICES, CE, N, GS, IRAM, GOST, VCCI, MIC, C-Tick

Last updated October 2005 9

The IBM 1x8 Console Switch and the IBM 2x16 Console Switch integrate keyboard, video,

and mouse (KVM) switching technology with advanced cable management, flexible

access for up to two simultaneous users, and an intuitive user interface. The console

switches feature powerful onscreen management for easy system configuration and

server selection.

NOTE: The 1x8 console switch enables a single local user to access any attached servers. The 2x16

console switch enables two simultaneous users to access attached servers.

The IBM 3-meter Console Switch Cables (PS/2 and USB) are unique benefits of the

console switch. By using CAT5 cabling, the switch cable reduces cable clutter, while

providing optimal resolution and video settings. The built-in memory of the switch

cable simplifies configuration by assigning and retaining unique server names and port

numbers for each attached server. The switch cable is powered directly from the server

and provides Keep Alive functionality even if the console switch is not turned on. Keep

Alive functionality enables the server to operate properly with or without connectivity to

the console switch.

The switch cable enables direct KVM connectivity to servers attached to the console

switch. The 1x8 console switch has 8 Analog Rack Interface (ARI) ports and the 2x16

console switch has 16 ARI ports for connecting switch cables.

Using a PS/2 switch cable you can attach additional switches to expand the console

switch system. This flexibility enables you to add capacity as the data center grows.

Multiplatform Support

The switch cables available with the console switch support PS/2 and USB server

environments. Using the On-Screen Configuration and Activity Reporting (OSCAR®)

graphical user interface in conjunction with these cables enables you to switch easily

across platforms.

The PS/2 switch cable is used to connect a PS/2 server to a console switch. This cable

has one HD15 connector for video, one PS/2 connector for keyboard, and one PS/2

connector for mouse. The USB switch cable is used to connect a USB server to a

console switch. This cable has one HD15 connector for video and one USB connector for

keyboard and mouse.

Ordering information:

IBM 1x8 Console Switch MTMN: 17351LX

IBM 2x16 Console Switch MTMN: 17352LX

Cable options:

3-meter PS/2 Part #: 31R3130

3-meter USB Part #: 31R3132

1X8 Console Switch &

2X16 Console Switch

KCO

UCO

Last updated October 2005 10

CAT5 Cabling

The CAT5 switch cables using industry-standard RJ45 connectors for secure, quick

connections helps dramatically reduce cable clutter at the rack.

OSCAR Graphical User Interface

The console switch uses the OSCAR interface, which features intuitive menus to

configure the switch system and select servers. Servers can be identified by a unique

name and port number, enabling you to assign a unique server name.

Security

The OSCAR interface enables you to protect the system with a screen saver password.

After a user-defined time, the screen saver mode engages, and access is prohibited until

the appropriate password is entered to reactivate the system.

Plug and Play

The console switch also supports Display Data Channel (DDC) Plug and Play, which

automates configuration of the monitor and is compliant with the VESA DDC2B standard.

Firmware Upgrades

You can upgrade the firmware at any time through an update utility to be sure that the

console switch system is always running the most current version available.

Tiering Expansion

The 1x8 console switch supports up to 8 directly attached servers and the 2x16 console

switch supports up to16 directly attached servers. Each model can conveniently scale to

support additional servers. You can expand the system by tiering with additional console

switches and legacy console switches. This extra tier of units enables you to attach up to

256 servers in one system.

Key features and benefits

Included with each part number:

• Console switch

• Power cord

• Rack mounting hardware (includes rack

mounting brackets)

• Documentation CD

• Quick Installation Guide

• 1U filler panel

Additional items needed

• One IBM 3-meter Console Switch Cable

(PS/2 or USB) per attached server

• One IBM 3-meter Console Switch Cable

(PS/2) per attached switch

• One Phillips screwdriver

Last updated October 2005 11

Basic console switch configuration

Last updated October 2005 12

Technical Specifications

Server Ports

Number 8 (1x8 console switch), 16 (2x16 console switch)

Cable Types USB and PS/2

Connectors RJ-45

Sync Types Separate horizontal and vertical

Plug and Play DDC2B

Video Resolution Local Port Maximum 1280 x 1024 @ 75 Hz

Update Port

Number 1

Type Serial RS-232

Connector DB-9 Male

Local Port Sets

Number 1 (1x8 console switch), 2 (2x16 console switch)

Type PS/2, VGA and ACI (ACI port available only for User A)

Connectors 2 PS/2 MiniDIN 6, 1 HD15

Dimensions

Height x Width x Depth 4.45 cm x 43.18 cm x 27.94 cm 1 U form factor (1.75 in x 17.00 in x 11.00 in)

Weight 3.6 kg (8 lb) without cables

Heat Dissipation 92 Btu/Hr

Airflow 8 CFM

Power Consumption 12.5 Watts

AC-input power 40 Watts maximum

AC-input voltage rating 100 to 240 V ac Autosensing

AC-input current rating 0.5 A

AC-input cable 18 AWG three-wire cable, with a three-lead IEC-320 receptacle on the power

supply end and a country or region dependent plug on the power resource end

AC-frequency 50 - 60 Hz

Temperature 0° to 50° C (32° to 122° Fahrenheit) operating

-30° to 60° C (-22° to 140° Fahrenheit) transit

-20° to 60° C (-4° to 140° Fahrenheit) storage

Humidity 20% to 80% noncondensing operating

5% to 95% noncondensing nonoperating

Product Safety Standards

UL 60950-1, CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1, and EN 60950-1

Last updated October 2005 13

When shopping for KVM switches, it is important to get the right solution for your needs.

The table below should help simplify the decision-making process.

Selecting the right IBM KVM solution

IBM KVM 1x8 Console 2x16 Console Local Console Manager Global Console Global Console

product Switch Switch (LCM2) Manager (GCM2) Manager (GCM4)

User Console 1 2 2 2 remote, 1 local 3 remote, 1 local or

4 remote

Systems ports 8 16 8 16 16

Max. Systems 128 256 512 2048 2048

Max. video 1280x1024 1280x1024 1280x1024 1280x1024 1280x1024

resolution

Multiplatform Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes

support

Cable support PS2 and USB PS2 and USB PS2 and USB PS2 and USB PS2 and USB

Intuitive GUI OSCAR® for IBM OSCAR® for IBM OSCAR® for IBM OSCAR® for IBM OSCAR® for IBM

Virtual Media No No Yes Yes Yes

capabilities

Height x Width 1.75” x 17” 1.75” x 17” 1.72” x 17” 1.72” x 17” 1.72” x 17”

• CAT5 cabling with industry-standard RJ45

connectors for secure, quick connections

• Non-intrusive operation that does not

interfere with critical server operations or

network resources

• Intuitive graphical user interface and

multi-platform support

• Password protection for access control

within the rack environment

• Firmware upgrades available through an

upgrade utility, ensuring future hardware

compatibility

• Flexible connectivity for expanding data

center environments

• Virtual Media capabilities

when connected with a VCO

cable

• CAT5 cabling with industry

standard RJ45 connectors for

secure, quick connections

• Intuitive graphical user

interface and multi-platform

support

• Password protection for

access control within the rack

environment

• Easy Firmware upgrades

through the Ethernet port,

ensuring future hardware

compatibility

• Remote management--KVM over IP--of

the appliance and the attached server from

anywhere in the world using the IBM

Virtual Console Software (included with

product)

• Virtual Media capabilities when connected

with a VCO cable

• CAT5 cabling with industry standard RJ45

connectors for secure, quick connections

• Intuitive graphical user interface and multi-

platform support

• Password protection for access control

within the rack environment

• Easy Firmware upgrades through the

Ethernet port, ensuring future hardware

compatibility

Description

Last updated October 2005 14

1x8 and 2x16 Console Switches

Q. What computer platforms do the IBM 1x8 or 2x16 Console Switches support?

A. The switch cables available with the console switch support PS/2 and USB server environments. Using the On-Screen

Configuration and Activity Reporting (OSCAR®) graphical user interface in conjunction with these cables enables you to switch easily

across platforms.

Q. What kind of security features are available on IBM 1x8 or 2x16 Console Switch?

A. The OSCAR interface enables you to protect the system with a screen saver password. After a user-defined time, the screen saver

mode engages, and access is prohibited until the appropriate password is entered to reactivate the system.

Q. What video resolutions does the IBM 1x8 or 2x16 Console Switch support?

A. The console switch provides optimal resolutions for analog VGA, SVGA, and XGA video. You can achieve resolutions up to 1280 x

1024 with a 3-m (9.8-ft) cable. See the Console Switch Installation and user guide for a more detailed list of support video resolutions

and refresh rates.

Q. How many servers can I connect to an IBM Console Switch?

A. The 1x8 console switch supports up to 8 directly attached servers and the 2x16 console switch supports up to 16 directly attached

servers. Each model can conveniently scale to support additional servers. You can expand the system by tiering with console

switches and legacy-model console switches. This extra tier of units enables you to attach up to 256 servers in one system.

Q. What is the ACI port used for?

A. The Analog Console Interface (ACI) port on each console switch is used to tier multiple switches together.

Detail:

You can tier multiple console switches to enable one or two users to connect to up to 256 servers. In a tiered system, each ARI port on

the main console switch will connect to the Analog Console Interface (ACI) port on each tiered console switch. Each tiered switch can then be

connected to up to 8 servers on the 1x8 console switch and up to 16 servers on the 2x16 console switch. The example in Figure 2.4 shows one

console switch tiered under the main switch, enabling the connection of up to 15 primary servers and 16 secondary servers. In this configuration, you

could tier 16 console switches under the main switch, enabling the connection of up to 256 servers. Only one level of tiering is supported in this type

of configuration, which means that you cannot tier additional legacy switches or another console switch. In this configuration, the tiered local port

OSCAR interface is disabled when the main console switch is tiered below another console switch.

Q. What will I receive in the box with each Console Switch?

A. You will receive:

• Console switch

• Power cord

• Rack mounting hardware (includes rack mounting brackets)

• Documentation CD

• Quick Installation Guide

• 1U filler panel

Q. Will I need any additional items in order to use my Console Switch?

A. Yes, you will need one IBM 3-meter Console Switch Cable (PS/2 or USB) per attached server.

Q. What legacy model switches with the Console Switch support?

A. The Console Switch will support the NetBAY™ 1x4 Console Switch (09N4290) and the NetBAY 2x8 Console Switch (09N4291).

Q. How do I update the firmware in the Console Switch?

A. You can upgrade the firmware of the console switch by using a special update utility. This utility automatically configures the port

communications settings to enable direct downloading from a connected server through the serial port of the console switch. For

more detail on firmware upgrades see Appendix A of the Console Switch Installation and users Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

Last updated October 2005 15

Q. Where can I find the Firmware Update?

A. Go to http://www.ibm.com/pc/support and click on Downloads and drivers. Search on the product name to access the firmware

upgrade file. After the download is complete, navigate to the drive where you have saved the firmware update and unzip the file.

GCM2, GCM4, and LCM2

Q. What do I need in order to take advantage of the Virtual Media features?

A. Virtual media is supported on IBM GCM2, GCM4, and LCM2 KVM Appliances. To take advantage of the virtual media feature:

• The computer must be connected to the GCM2, GCM4, or LCM2 appliance with a VCO cable.

• The computer must be able to use the types of USB2-compatible media that you require in a stand-alone environment. (If the

computer does not support a portable composite USB memory device, you cannot map it as a virtual media drive.)

• The user or user group must have permission to establish virtual media sessions and/or reserved virtual media sessions to the

target device.

The virtual media feature allows the user on the client workstation to map local physical drives, ISO or floppy image files as virtual

drives on a target device. You can have one virtual CD drive and one virtual mass storage device mapped concurrently. A CD drive or

disk image file (ISO CD image file) is mapped as a virtual CD drive. A floppy drive (or floppy image file), USB memory device or other

media type is mapped as a virtual mass storage device.

Q. Will the new 3.0 version of the VCS software work with my existing RCM’s too?

A. Yes, IBM Virtual Console Software version 3.0 is backwards compatible.

Q. Will the GCM2, GCM4, or LCM2, support the existing cables I use with my RCM and LCM?

A. Yes, the GCM2, GCM4, and LCM2 support the UCO and KCO with the addition of the VCO (Virtual Media Conversion Option).

The VCO is not supported by the RCM.

Q. How many concurrent users will the GCM2, GCM4, or LCM2 support?

A. GCM2 – 3 concurrent users--2 remote users via VCS and 1 local user.

GCM4 – 4 concurrent users--3 remote users via VCS and 1 local user or 4 remote users via VCS.

LCM2 – 2 concurrent users--local only.

Q. What are the differences between and LCM and an LCM2?

A. The LCM2 supports all the same functions that the LCM supports with the addition of an addition local user port, support for local

USB Keyboard and Mouse, and support for Virtual Media.

Q. What are the differences between the GCM2, GCM4, and the RCM?

A. The GCM2 and GCM4 support all the same functionality of the RCM with the addition of 4 remote users (GCM4), Local USB

Keyboard and Mouse, and support for Virtual Media.

Q. What are some of the differences between the current version of VCS and the new 3.0 version?

A. Some of the key differences are:

Remote Virtual Media

Additional Session Types such as Stealth mode and Share mode.

New Connections Status Indicators.

New Session Options Tab

For details information on these features and more, please see the IBM Virtual Console Software Installation and User Guide.

Last updated October 2005 16

Q. What is Virtual Media?

A. A USB media device that can be attached to the appliance and made available to any target device that is connected to the appliance.

Q. What Operating Systems can VCS be installed on?

A. The following operating systems are supported by the VCS:

• Microsoft® Windows® 2000 Workstation Service Pack 4

• Microsoft Windows 2000 Server Service Pack 4

• Microsoft Windows XP (Home and Professional) Service Pack 2

• Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 3.0 WS

• Red Hat Enterprise Linux 4.0 WS

• SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 8

• SuSE Linux Enterprise Server 9

• SuSE Linux 9.2

• SuSE Linux 9.3

Q. What are the minimum hardware requirements for running VCS?

A. The software is supported on the following minimum computer hardware configurations:

• 500 MHz Pentium III

• 256 MB RAM

• 10 or 100 BaseT NIC

• XGA video with graphics accelerator

• Desktop size must be a minimum of 800 x 600

• Color palette must be a minimum of 65,536 (16-bit) colors

Q. What are the different video session types that VCS supports?

A. When using the Video Viewer with GCM2 and GCM4 appliances, you have several options of session types. In addition to operating

a normal KVM session, administrators and users with certain access rights can also operate a session in an exclusive mode, share

the session with one or more users, observe a session in stealth mode, or scan multiple target devices. The current type of session is

indicated by an icon on the right side of the Video Viewer toolbar. Video session types are outlined below.

Normal KVM: You are conducting a normal KVM session that is not exclusive, but is not currently shared. An active session icon is visible.

Exclusive: You have exclusive control over the target device. During this KVM session the connection to the target device cannot be shared, but it

can be preempted or observed in stealth mode by an administrator.

Locked: Your administrator has configured the appliance to lock KVM and Virtual Media (VM) sessions together. You have a normal KVM session

and have opened a VM session. Your KVM session cannot be shared or preempted, and it is not subject to inactivity time-out. It can be terminated by

an administrator.

Digital share: active (primary)--you are the first user to connect to the target device, and you have allowed other users to share the KVM session.

Digital share: active (secondary)--you can view and interact with the target device while sharing the KVM session with a primary user and, possibly,

other secondary users.

Digital share: passive--you can view the video ouput of the target device, but you are not allowed to have keyboard and mouse control over the

target device.

Stealth: You can view the video output of the target device without the permission or knowledge of the primary user. You cannot have keyboard and

mouse control over the target device. This session type is available for administrators only.

Scanning: You can monitor up to 16 target devices in thumbnail view.

Virtual Media

Q. Are there any security issues when dealing with Virtual Media?

A. If someone starts a Virtual Media connection and then another person takes the KVM session (via preemption or a non-locked KVM

session being closed and then later opened by another user) while the first user’s Virtual Media session is active, they can access the

mapped VM device. (Note: This security issue exists whenever someone takes over a non-locked KVM session that has an active

(mapped) VM session).

Q. Why can’t I use a VCO to access a computer’s BIOS?

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A. The VCO is a composite USB 2.0 device. If the BIOS does not support (or supports in a limited fashion) USB 2.0 composite devices,

then the VCO can not work with it.

Q. Why can’t I use a VCO to access a computer’s BIOS when I can hook up a keyboard, mouse, USB CDRom, and USB Mass Storage

Device to a USB hub attached to the same computer and they work?

A. The VCO is a composite USB 2.0 device. A USB hub acts as a compound device. The USB specification (and BIOS support) for

composite devices and compound devices are different, therefore it is possible for one to be supported, but not the other.

Q. Why doesn’t my device show up in the Linux VM tool on the client computer?

A. The Linux VM tool reads the fstab and mtab to determine what to show. If your device is not listed in one of these two places, it

will not show up.

Q. Why can I use the VCOs capabilities once the OS has loaded, but not before?

A. Modern operating systems have USB drivers. When the BIOS detects an OS level driver loaded for the USB controller, it hands full

control of that controller to the OS.

Q. Why can I only see the first partition on my USB hard drive when it is mapped via VM?

A. The USB specification has several different device types that a USB device can identify itself as. Based upon the device type the

USB device enumerates as, the OS will react differently to it. To allow enumeration at boot but still have the ability to connect and

disconnect Virtual Media as needed, a device type of Mass Storage Device must be used. Windows only supports reading from the

first partition on a Mass Storage Device.

Q. Why can’t I see a USB device attached to the appliance when I am using a remote connection (or corollary, why can’t I see my CD-

ROM drive from OSCAR)?

A. For conditions of security, VM only allows you to access devices that are in your physical control at the time the VM session is

began. Since there is no way to determine if the KVM appliance and client computer are in the same spot, the KVM appliance will

only allow people accessing VM via OSCAR to connect to a USB device attached to the KVM appliance and people accessing VM via

a remote connection to only access media on the client computer creating the VM session.

Q. The BIOS seems to see everything, but I can’t use the keyboard. Why?

A. Since the VCO is a composite device, it can only negotiate one rate for all the pieces it enumerates as. This means that the

keyboard has to enumerate at high speed (480Mb/s). Some BIOSs can not handle a keyboard that negotiates at higher than low

speeds, so the keyboard section of the VCO will not work.

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For more information

World Wide Web

IBM Server xSeries ibm.com/servers/eserver/xseries/storage/rack.html

IBM xSeries Rack Configurator ibm.com/servers/eserver/xseries/library/configtools.html

Important notes and trademarks

XSO01605-USEN-00

IBM local console manager User manual

Related papers

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